Xabi Alonso launches Palestra in Premier League: dual role

Saturday October 10, Italian winger Marco Palestra made his Premier League debut alongside Chelsea, coming on in the second half against Bournemouth and seeing out the match with twenty minutes remaining, after manager Xabi Alonso had called him up for the first time.

The journey from Atalanta to Chelsea

During the summer, Xabi Alonso spoke directly to Marco Palestra to persuade him to accept the Blues' offer, even though the youngster already had an agreement with Inter. The transfer was completed for a total package of €60 million – €50 million fixed fee plus €10 million in bonuses – and saw the 2005‑born, now 21‑year‑old, move from Atalanta to Chelsea. Palestra, already called up to the Italian national team towards the end of the 2025‑26 season, had taken part regularly in pre‑season, but a “set‑back” in training delayed his debut.

The injury and the first call‑up

A thigh injury had kept Palestra out of action until shortly before the international break; once resolved, the manager placed the player on the bench for the first time in the sixth round of the Premier League. Regarding PALESTRA, XABI ALONSO highlighted the youngster’s personality, describing him as “a profile of extremely high potential”. The former Atalanta player came on for Joao Pedro, welcomed by the Stamford Bridge crowd, and immediately wore the Blues’ new shirt.

The role on the pitch against Bournemouth

In the second half, Palestra covered both the right and left wing, demonstrating the ability to operate across the entire flank. In just twenty minutes he showed a decisive presence, contributing to the team’s tempo and confirming the dual role envisaged by Xabi Alonso. The manager, during Friday’s press conference, stated: “Marco Palestra is ready for his Premier League debut.”

Alonso added: “Yes, everyone was able to train, some more than others. Marco Palestra as well. That was the plan. They trained well and are ready to go.”

Chelsea, in their first five Premier League matches, have recorded two wins, one draw and two defeats. Palestra watched these games from the sidelines, also missing the call‑up for the Italian national team in September. Competition within the squad has increased, especially after Michael Kayode’s impressive season with Brentford.

The official line‑ups saw Chelsea line up in a 3‑4‑3: Martinez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Henderson, Caicedo, Chavarria; Palmer, Joao Pedro, Rogers, with Penders, Estevao, Fofana, Gusto, Hato, Lavia, Palestra, Quenda, Welbeck on the bench. Bournemouth responded with a 4‑2‑3‑1: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Adams, Christie; Rayan, Tavernier, Brooks; Evanilson, with Di Gregorio and others on the bench.

These twenty minutes for Palestra are just the beginning.